Donald Swanson Obituary

SHERBURN:    A Celebration of Life Services for Donald L. Swanson, 84, of rural Sherburn, Minnesota,  will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday,  May 8, 2021 at the First Baptist Church, #921 Hills Avenue in Jackson, Minnesota.        

Don was called to his eternal rest on Tuesday  morning, April 27, 2021 at USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota  Visitation will be from 5:00 –7:00 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Jackson.  Messages of sympathy can be sent online at www.kramerfuneralhome.com

The staff at Kramer Family Funeral Home extends their appreciation to the Swanson family for their trust.

Those wishing to  view Don's service may do so at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021 on First Baptist Church Facebook page.

https://fb.me/e/LLVXckx6

Donald Leroy Swanson  was born on January 22, 1937 to Walter and Gladys (Anderson) Swanson in Fairmont, MN.  He was baptized and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran church in Dunnell, MN.  During his earlier years of education, Donald attended country school District #49 in Jay Township.  During High School, Don attended Sherburn High school and graduated in 1955.  After high school, Don farmed with his father and built his first wood shop.  On February 17, 1963 he was united in marriage with Marilyn Carlson at the United Church of Christ in Truman, MN.   They continued to farm after marrying.   Donald was quite the inventor, enjoyed creating things and was an artist throughout his life.  Donald shared his joy of creating cabinets and other wood working projects with  Paul Schlaphoff and Doyle Moeller by creating a partnership that was called Trinity Cabinets.  When he worked at Blue Wing Campers in Trimont he built his own camper, which he, Marilyn and the boys took on several trips.  Don made a lawn mower for himself while working for Schweiss Inc.  He built his own garden tractor in highschool that is still used today.  The later years he has been working on intarsia projects and scroll work.  He enjoyed taking these items to local shows, especially out to Butterfield.  During his lifetime he only missed two years of attendance at Butterfield threshing Bee.  Donald and Marilyn were members of the Prairie Riders Motorcycle club in Jackson, MN.  They went on many trips and suppers with that group.   Donald and Marilyn enjoyed wintering in Arizona at Apache Junction.  Donald learned how to dance while in Arizona, which began his love of listening to musicians.  Donald built a musician stand at the Swanson Lake and would find local talents to play during the summer.  Donald was an active member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, MN.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Swanson of rural Sherburn; his sons Paul (Vicki) of rural Sherburn, David (Jill) of Sherburn, Alan (Leann) of rural Sherburn, Todd (Katie Tusa) of rural Sherburn, Ryan (Tracy) of Spencer Iowa; Grandchildren Trent, Grant, Kali, Mikayla, Abby, Blake, Hunter, Donovan, Chase, Aiden, Noah, Samantha and Alec; Step Grandchildren: April & Andy; Great Granchildren: Haydyn & unborn brother,  Addison, Walter, Scarlett, Emma, Xavier; Step Great Grandchildren: Aviry, Malcolm, Raelyn, Laila, Makayla, Hailey, Alex, Avery & Alayna and exchange students Christine, from Denmark and Bendik from Norway. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Walter & Gladys, infant brother Eugene, sister Marlene, & brother in law Gene Mielke,  Sister in law Violet and brother in law Roger Hansen.